Between my second and final years of university, I packed an unbelievably huge suitcase and flew four thousand miles away from home to the city of Vancouver, Canada. It was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done, especially as I was doing it alone, leaving behind my family and friends with only Skype and messaging to keep in touch.

If you're looking for unique experiences and a fascinating, under-explored culture, Japan is the place. Tokyo has an extensive, punctual public transport system connecting you to all corners of the country – mountains and beaches are just two hours away; life-changing food, the politest people, and almost no petty crime. A lost wallet will be returned with everything still inside.

Milano is a city of marvelous Renaissance art and architecture - with a
history dating back to 700 BC. Modern-day Milano is fashioned around the
Duomo (one of the largest and most awe-inspiring Gothic cathedrals in the
world) and La Scala (the renowned opera house). Charming trams, pebbled
roads, a bustling music and cultural events calendar, multi-ethnic cuisines,
amazing graffiti, swish tycoons - you find them all here.

The city of romance, Paris, has also been home to some of the greatest thinkers of our time. Durkheim, Foucault, Comte, de Beauvoir are among the few that regarded this city as home. Nestled among the numerous cafes and museums lies the Institute d'etudes politiques de Paris (Sciences Po). More than 140 years old, it has traditionally educated France's political and diplomatic elite. It is located in the heart of Paris with the Notre Dame, Louvre and Eiffel Tower just a few blocks away.

I discovered a copy of “Tuesdays with Morrie” lying on a bench at a park on Singapore’s Tanjong Katong Road. I thought somebody had forgotten it there. Later, at another park I saw another book on a bench. Once people finish reading their books, they leave them in the park for anyone else to read. That’s how books in Singapore travel. I have tried it. It works just the way I thought and heard it would!

SLIDESHOW

Did you know that all 8 government-funded universities in New Zealand are in the top 3% (top 500) worldwide? Each enjoys a global reputation in certain specialized areas of study. Here is a view of each institution, with information about its academic strengths based on the 2017 QS World University Rankings

There was a time in the history of the United States when Ivy League education was reserved for men. With the rise of feminism, enabling women to attend quality institutions became important. Thus, seven liberal arts colleges for women were founded in the late nineteenth century.

Cheap doesn't always mean a compromise in quality. The 5 universities in our list are also among the best in the world. And you don't have to spend sleepless nights over the money you are investing by way of tuition fees. So as you're looking for your best options abroad for a degree in Physics, think about...

Universities devote space, effort, and money to public works of art, because they do much more than beautifying the campus. They enrich intellectual life by provoking reflection, creativity, and innovation.

Holi is just around the corner. But the celebrations have already begun! Holi colours have been splattered across the globe, from India and Nepal, to Germany, UK and the USA.

Universities are no exception. At international institutions, students from across the world come to learn with, and from, each other. So it is no surprise that festivals like Holi become prime events on their cultural calendars.

Often, the international student societies set up festivities in March, which are joined in by all students, regardless of nationalities and faiths.